When Ant Beale started working on his debut EP No Rain No Flowers, his vision was clear. “I wanted to make music that’s talking about real things from my life but still has a happy vibe to it,” says the South Jersey-bred photographer-turned-rapper. “I wanted anyone to be able to listen to it and love it, even little kids or babies, like it’s a lullaby.”
Executive-produced by Charlie Heat—the G.O.
O.D. Music producer who earned three Grammy Award nominations for his work on Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo—No Rain No Flowers opens with lead single “Dirty Taurus”: a melodic track built on a bass-heavy beat, dreamy harp tones, and raw storytelling. Throughout the EP, Beale continues to fuse catchy hooks with unexpected flourishes, such as the tropical rhythms and hazy textures of “Crazy Again,” the fuzzed-out groove of “10krts,” and the graceful piano and soulful singing of “Sunshine.”
Over the past year Beale has begun writing for other artists, with his credits including standout track “Undercover” from Kehlani’s debut album SweetSexySavage. In his own music, Beale’s current main mission is to show the bright side of dark times. “The world today might not be where we want it to be, but you’ve got to have that negativity to get to something good,” he says. “I want people to listen to my music and feel inspired, and know that if they want something they can get it—but first you gotta work for it.”
